Level Up Your Online Shopping Game: Seamless Payments for Malaysians Abroad

Find the best payment method for Malaysians shopping abroad: DuitNow, e‑wallets, FPX vs cards for fast, low‑fee international purchases.

Nowadays, many people in Malaysia do online shopping from abroad. Since foreign websites are low-cost, have a wide range of options, and have quick shipping, they are tempting. But before purchasing anything, it is the payment method that counts. Fast, cost-effective and user-friendly payment methods are now preferred to credit cards or traditional transfers.

For many, what is the best option is based on how easy and quick the experience is. With the increasing number of people purchasing from international stores, digital wallets and instant transfers are becoming the future.

Digital Wallets Are Changing Habits

Digital wallets have become the most favored mode of payment for international payments in Malaysia. A recent study revealed that 80 percent of Malaysians use e-wallets to make transactions when buying something overseas. Touch 'n Go, DuitNow QR, GrabPay, MAE, Boost are the most used ones. The simplicity with which they can be used is one reason for their popularity. Payments can be made in seconds and there is no need to enter card numbers or bank details.

One of the main reasons people are switching to some of these like DuitNow QR is the simplicity that connects both bank accounts and e-wallets. The DuitNow system links both bank accounts and e-wallets. It supports QR codes and allows users to send or receive money via a mobile number, ID, or business registration number. No permits or authorisations are required. Because of this, DuitNow has made a name for itself outside of everyday shopping.

For instance, some online gaming and gambling services now accept it because of its fast processing. In such cases, a casino accepting DuitNow allows instant transfers from either e-wallets or bank accounts. It doesn’t need card info or long verification steps. The lack of mandatory ID checks adds to its speed, and that’s why certain users now prefer it over credit cards or even bank transfers.

FPX and Bank Transfers Still Hold Ground

Not everyone has shifted to e-wallets just yet. For many Malaysians, FPX bank transfers continue to be trusted. They are fast, readily available, and pre-installed in nearly all of the major banks' online platforms. These real-time payments are still part of daily life from paying bills to making larger payments online.

According to estimates from 2024, 53 percent of Malaysians continue to use financial services such as FPX regularly, proving that it has not fallen out of favor despite the emergence of mobile-first alternatives. The reason is partly because it is so familiar. No new setup is required and users do not need to transfer funds around like they do with wallets.

For example, some customers who purchase electronic or book services still use FPX because of the ease of direct access to bank balances and no upper limits to top-ups. Sites such as Shopee and Lazada still provide FPX as a popular payment method on their sites, mainly due to the high reach of banks.

But although it's strong for local use, its function for international shopping has slowed. Unless it's connected to a card or used through a payment gateway that deals with foreign merchants, most are skipping it for more flexible and faster, app-based alternatives abroad.

Card Payments Have Declined in Popularity

Credit and debit cards used to be the default option when it comes to buying something internationally, but that is disappearing. While still very popular, fewer Malaysians now use them for cross-border purchases. Recent surveys indicate that less than 40 percent use credit cards to shop abroad.

One reason is increased awareness of additional charges, such as mark ups on foreign exchange, and delayed processing of transferred amounts, which often are not noticed until the statement is received. Security is another factor.

Many prefer avoiding the need to share card details with unfamiliar sites, especially when alternatives offer better visibility and control. Digital payment apps now provide instant alerts and breakdowns in Malaysian Ringgit, giving users more confidence about where their money goes.

They are still useful for certain situations such as larger purchases or hotel booking or platforms which do not yet support newer systems. Visa and Mastercard are still playing a role, especially when combined with loyalty rewards or travel perks. But for everyday online buying, especially below RM500, there are an increasing number of Malaysians who are opting for mobile wallets or transfer apps instead.

Payments Are Getting Smarter

When it comes to paying online, it no longer feels like a chore and has become something second nature. In Malaysia, unlike other countries, digital payment systems are not only growing, but they are also becoming more secure and practical. Most applications now have functionalities such as face ID or fingerprint login, while card details are stored using token systems to avoid leaks.

These small updates matter. Consumers have started to be more cautious, double-checking for SSL locks, payment badges, and so forth before clicking 'pay'. Payments now reflect people's lifestyles: fast, flexible, and mobile. Industrial transfers that used to take hours are now near instantaneous.

This has changed the perspective towards spending for the Malaysians, particularly those who spend across currencies or shop across ASEAN. What used to feel like a border is now just another screen to tap through.